Bourbon Pursuit Podcast #39: Rob Samuels, COO of Maker's Mark

Rob Samuels, COO of Makers Mark, talks about the operations behind Makers and holding almost every job at the distillery since he was 9.

– We kick off the show talking about bourbon tourism numbers from 2015
– Talk about your childhood and growing up in the family business
– What does the phrase mean “blow your ears off?”
– Makers has a great relationship with Keeneland, talk about it.
– Where do you see Makers as a part of the growth of bourbon?
– What do you think kept Makers alive 20-30 years ago when vodka was king?
– What are some your favorite ads Makers has had over the years?
– This is a family business. What was the best piece of advice your father ever gave you?
– You started at the distillery at 9 years old. Talk about holding all those various positions over the years. Best and worst job
– How do you get on the tasting panel at Makers?
– Back in 2013 was the great proof reduction debacle. Talk about that.
– What are some of toughest decisions you’ve had to make as COO?
– Let’s talk about life outside of bourbon. Do you have any other hobbies?

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